They've got spiritKeeping the home crowd involved requires a special kind of fan - and a lot of preparation

MICHAEL DAMANTE, For the Chronicle |
August 15, 2010

Clutch teaches some of the finer points of the trade at Fantasy Mascot Camp at Toyota Center.

Robert Boudwin, better known as the Rockets mascot Clutch, brought his mascot expertise to eager learners Saturday at the first Fantasy Mascot Camp at Toyota Center.

Mascots included participants from area high schools, middle schools, Lamar University, the University of Houston, corporate mascots from Chick-fil-A and mascots from the minor league and professional levels. Out of the 36 campers, ages varied from 12-year-old Samuel Paul Davis , who came all the way from Oklahoma to attend, to 38-year-old Armando Reyes.

“Soccer and basketball are different structures, so it is always good to learn from different angles and perspectives,” said Mike Walsh, mascot creative coordinator for the Rapids.

Learning from the best

Boudwin has been honing his craft for 20 years. He started at the University of Delaware, through some minor league stints, all the way up to his current role as one of sports most well-known mascots.

During his tenure — this season he will be his 16th with the Rockets — Clutch has won the NBA’s first Mascot of the Year award in 2005, was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006 and was voted the fifth most recognizable mascot of all time in 2005 by USA Today .

“I hope to learn to a better mascot than I already am, because Clutch is such a great mascot and person,” said Davis, who performs at the high school level.

Others came to the camp to apply the grandiose treatment the professionals use to help energize already popular followings and add new fans along the way.

“Being at Robertson Stadium we are really growing a new fan base and want to know how we can reach the fans throughout the game at all times,” said UH’s Shasta, who doesn’t reveal his or hers real name to add to the mystique of the character. “With a new stadium (possibly) coming in, we want to make it all a fun entertainment experience”

The attendees learned how to develop their mascot’s persona through exercises aimed at non-verbal communication, and will get to test out their skills with Clutch at an upcoming Rockets game. The all-day event focused more on the psychological aspects and theatrics of the field, rather the athletic stunts.

“Were not hitting any trampolines, repelling from the ceiling or doing anything huge,” Boudwin said. “ A lot of the more advanced stuff you see Clutch do, we won’t be doing. Those (skills) come years down the road when you’re comfortable in your costume and you’ve gotten the basics down first.”

Keeping their cool

Boudwin said staying hydrated is vital to surviving the rigors that come with being a mascot.

“Physically, it is really hot in the suit. I tell the kids they need to know their limits. People always ask how much weight you lose in that thing (the costume), and it is considerable, “said Boudwin. “ They’ve weighed me before and after a game performance and I could lose up to 8-10 pounds. I talk about hydrating before, during and after a game performance and a cardiovascular regime to train your body and lungs to be used to the demands being in the costume brings.”